Numismatics is a big field that looks very intimidating to newcomers. They sometimes see it as a massive, awe-inspiring monolith where those already in it know everything and, therefore, newcomers cannot possibly catch on and catch up.

Nothing can be further from the truth.

While it is true that there are individuals in numismatics who know more than I ever will, it is also true that we are not some gigantic, one-size-fits all occupation or avocation. We all have a place in it that we basically custom design. We then work on becoming knowledgeable in those areas that we identify as being important to us.

The first step in doing so is to realize this and then follow the path that most closely follows our personal interests or needs.

I was struck by the letters to the editor this month. The various topics are indicative of the many interests that intersect within the pages of World Coin News.

They are also very human letters, showing how we all interact with each other and lend a hand when needed. That is a great strength in the numismatic field.

But for newcomers to realize that this great strength exists and it can be used for their benefit takes a little time and effort.

Those of us who are active in the field can speed this process along by being as welcoming as we can be. Showing a human side to scholarship, commercial activity and collection building can be difficult if all of us engaged in the process feel too busy to engage with others.

While we all have pressing deadlines, or bad days, collectively, if we all resolve to generally be as welcoming as we can be, our bad days will be vastly exceeded by our good deeds.